Yet Nani, Anderson and Fletcher were all given up on by large portions of the fanbase. I myself never expected Fletcher to become vital to our midfield, and could not have imagined that Nani would become one of the best wingers on the planet. He wasn't just inconsistent, he was downright dreadful at times. And that's with having played plenty of first team matches, and trained since his youth with Sporting. "People aren't very good at spotting potential", so said Fergie, so I find it hard to understand why people comment that Bebe has none on the basis of a smattering of first time appearances in his debut season in an elite league.
The hyperbole in your argument doesn't do it much credit, either. He clearly can cross the ball elsewhere besides row Z. He's actually put in a couple of peaches in his time here, though sadly that one match against Wolves is the one that's remembered. Ronaldo's crossing was often initally derided, I recall (note, I am not saying he will become Ronaldo). Call me naive, but I can't envisage a scenario where the manager would play someone that actually couldn't control a football, or even just to a neglibigble extent. He's fast, strong and can kick the ball fecking hard, that's pretty much what I've made of him so far. He's not someone that was brought in off the street, he was a full time professional footballer at a team in the premier division of Portugal. Doesn't mean he's United quality, but it means he's a hell of a lot better than some people want to make out on here.
You can't compare Bebe to Nani, Anderson, Ronaldo, Fletcher and the likes. All of those have been in one of the best football academies in the world. The have been molded into professional players since very young age. They have been coached by one of the best youth coaches out there, they have played in all youth international setups(U17,U18,U21) etc..
These players were on the football map long before we came out knocking. Nani, Anderson are proven qualities. There is no question that they would be class players, even if they didn't make it at United. These players were/are established players at the age Bebe is at the moment.
Nani had a hell lot of assists in his first season(double figures if my memory serves me right), Anderson showed maturity and composure against Arsenal in his debut season. Both are way ahead of Bebe's league.
Ronaldo's potential was spotted over 1 game against Sporting pre-season. 1 game. Ronaldo's ball control and footballing abilities were up there since he came. Ronaldo again benefited from having a proper football education and at one of the best academies - Sporting.
I'm not saying that Bebe is utter shite and won't make it as a footballer. However with the price tag he's brought in you should expect more than an odd cross.
Players like Rossi and Pique were sold despite the obvious talent and in Rossi's case were given less chances to shine.
I'm sorry but - he's fast, strong and can kick the ball hard is hardly enough qualities to succeed at the highest level - at a club like United.
Ferguson himself said he has never watched him before he came at United, I don't think that's reassuring to say at least. In the reserves, bar that odd goal against Wigan he hasn't exactly shone, has he?
I'm sorry to be demanding, but I expect a 7.5m player to be capable to at least fit in our reserves, let alone first team.
